New top prosecutor in court for corruption trial of ex-Cuomo aide.

Manhattan’s new top federal prosecutor is in the courtroom for opening statements in the corruption trial of a former top aide to Gov. Cuomo. Interim US Attorney Geoffery Berman declined to comment to reporters when he arrived Tuesday morning ahead of proceedings in the feds’ blockbuster case against Joseph Percoco. Berman was appointed earlier this...

Time: 14:26&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp Date: 23.01.2018

Interim US Attorney Geoffery Berman declined to comment to reporters when he arrived Tuesday morning ahead of proceedings in the feds’ blockbuster case against Joseph Percoco.

Berman was appointed earlier this month by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to the seat vacated when President Trump fired corruption-buster Preet Bharara and 45 other US attorneys last year.

New York US Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has said she plans to try to block Berman’s confirmation if he’s formally nominated by Trump, based on reports that the president met with Berman as part of the selection process.

Percoco is accused of shaking down more than $300,000 in bribes through a pair of “pay-to-play” schemes while working for Cuomo, who has likened him to a brother.